While all homeowners are concerned with the visual cleanliness of their homes, most do not consider the cleanliness of the air inside their homes.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, most Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outside air.

As with outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution can cause problems for those with asthma, allergies and respiratory diseases. However, indoor air pollution can cause problems for everyone. Common symptoms related to indoor air pollution include headaches, nasal irritation and fatigue.

During the fall and winter months when homes are closed up, the quality of indoor air is something homeowners should be concerned about.

Bill Kennihan of Kennihan's Plumbing, Heating & Indoor Air Quality in Valencia recommends homeowners have an air quality check done on their homes.

Professionals use a diagnostic check called an AirAdvice indoor air analysis to check indoor air quality.

Kennihan said, "It shows a customer everything in the house."

AirAdvice measures a home for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, temperature and air particle levels. It also checks for volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are gases released by certain solids and liquids, such as paints and cleaning supplies.

After the house is diagnosed, customers are advised which products they could buy to clean up the air in their homes.

Another measure homeowners can take to ensure their homes have good indoor air quality is having their furnace checked before the cold weather sets in.

Homeowners should also remember to regularly clean the air filters for the furnace.

"Dirt and dust buildup cause air problems and potential furnace failure," said Kennihan. "Carbon dioxide can also be induced into the house."

Homeowners who use wood burning stoves should remember to have their chimneys checked once a year as well.

Air quality can also affect the visual appearance of a home. Heated air can cause damage to floors and ceilings when not properly humidified, so homeowners should look into buying a good humidifier.

There are also tasks homeowners can complete in the fall to ensure their home is in perfect visual condition.

Jim and Steve Hutchinson of Hutchinson's Cleaners in Butler recommend homeowners take their drapery to the cleaners if they haven't already done so during the spring cleaning season.

Drapery should ideally be taken to the dry cleaner once a year. This not only keeps the drapery in good condition but will help relieve symptoms for those with asthma and allergies.

"Dry cleaning will kill bacteria and allergens," said Jim Hutchinson.

Unless necessary, homeowners can clean the sheers hung with drapery at home. The sheers should be put into a washing machine set to the gentle cycle, Steve Hutchinson said.

As soon as the machine starts to agitate, it should be turned off. The sheers should be allowed to soak. After the sheers have had a chance to soak, the process should be repeated to ensure all dirt is removed.

In between cleanings and washings, drapery and sheers can be vacuumed with the soft bristle attachment.

Before using down comforters for the winter, Steve and Jim Hutchinson recommend taking them to the dry cleaners as well. They are too big to fit in most home washing machines and dry cleaners are able to ensure the comforters retain their shape.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

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Poor indoor air quality can be caused by many things. Here are the most common, along with their effects and sources.

• Odors and chemicals (volatile organic compounds): These can cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache and nausea. They are found in household products, new furnishings, carpeting, fuel fumes, paints, scented products and air fresheners and bad smells, such as the garbage and bathrooms.

• Airborne particulates: These are particles too small to see, such as dust, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, soot and smoke. They can trigger allergies and asthma. The most common sources of airborne particulates are pets, shoes, secondhand smoke and common household activities.

• Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. It can cause illness and is potentially fatal. It is released by improperly functioning furnaces and stoves, kerosene heaters, fireplaces, cigarette smoke and vehicles.

• Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a common gas produced by breathing and burning. Sources include household occupants and combustion appliances, such as fireplaces and furnaces.

Source: Air quality brochure from Kennihan's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling